WASHINGTON, D.C. -- An Akron man filed paperwork this week to run as a write-in Republican candidate for the congressional seat currently held by Niles Democrat Rep. Tim Ryan.

On Tuesday, the Summit County Board of Elections certified David Allen Pastorius of Kreiner Avenue as a write-in candidate for the seat.

Perennial GOP candidate Thomas Pekarek of Cleveland is also seeking the seat held by Ryan, although he does not live in the district. Pekarek won his spot on the GOP ballot through a write-in campaign during May's primary election. In past years, he has repeatedly sought the congressional seat now occupied by Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge.

Pastorius did not return calls placed to a phone number listed in his name, and Summit County GOP Chairman Alex Arshinkoff did not respond to an inquiry about him.

"It is every citizen's Constitutional right to run for elected office in our country," said a statement from Ryan. "As a Member of Congress, I take my responsibilities very seriously and as a candidate for Congress, I have a record that I am more than happy to defend in this election."

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